AquaChek TruTest Digital Test Strip Reader For Pool and Spa Water Testing - Tests for Free Chlorine, Free Bromine, pH, and Total Alkalinity - Quick & Accurate Results Includes 25 TruTest Strips (Blue)

I continued to compare my accucheck to pool store tester and the accuchek is massively inaccurate. I am switching to a new system. Because of the inaccurate readings my pool wound up with black algae.

As a new pool owner, I wanted to be sure the pool water is as safe as possible for my family. I started with Aquachek and hTh test strips which were simple and quick. However, I noticed some variability and found the colors were sometimes hard to be sure of, particularly pH or higher chlorine levels. Having a scientific background, I wanted a more quantitative testing method, that was quite simple to do.I was very disappointed with this item as at times it seemed to be a random number generator with no match to the test strip done at the same time. For about a week, I tested simultaneously with the Aquacheck test strip, hTh test strip and the TruTest Digital reader. For the most part the HtH and Aquachek strips matched, except the AquaChek strips seemed more sensitive for chlorine and seemed to indicate a higher chlorine level than the hTh srips. Unfortunately, with the Trutest I seemed to have variations at least 50% of the time and frequently got error messages. pH was routinely higher than strips and chlorine was also variable. It seemed more reliable indoors than outside in bright sun, but even indoors I would have to repeat the test frequently and was left wondering if I should believe the regular test strip, or the Trutest read out.Sadly, I don't think the average person who is looking for digital testing is going to be happy. Generally, I would expect that a person buying a colorimeter for digital testing is going to be looking for a more objective testing modality than strips. Sadly, if that is the case, you may find this device very frustrtating. I ultimately bought the Taylor titrating test kit and found this much more acceptable. Taylor Service Complete Pool Water Test Kit K-2006C While it is certainly more complex than the test strip or colorimeter, this test is very easy to do, does not take much time and seems significantly more accurate than the stips or the TruTest technique. I still use test strips for a quick check, but use the Taylor for my weekly testing, or when the test strips don't seem to make sense. I gave up entirely on the TruTest device.I think the person looking for a more objective and quantitative test will be thrilled with the Taylor test kit.

I tested 8 strips in a row on a single sample of spa water and validated the Ph against a separate Ph meter. Here are my results:1 Ch 0.0, Ph 7.4 Alk 0602. 0.0, 7.5, 0503. 0.0, 7.4, 0804. 0.0, 7.3, 0605. 0.0, 7.4, 0706. 0.0, 7.3, 0707. 0.0, 7.4, 0708. 0.0, 7.2, 080My independent Ph meter read 7.4My assessment is that this is good enough for the purpose of testing most pools and spas. It's not lab quality, but accurate enough (especially for the price).Follow these directions:1. Hit top button-read 2.2, then “on”.2. Dip strip, shake off excess water.3. Hit bottom button-read 3,2,1,dip4. Put strip on window.5. Wait.6.Read values.

I wanted to give version 2.2 a try and I am happy that I did. For the last few weeks I have been using this TT DR along side the regular test strips to compare the readings and they have matched up consistently when following the outlined procedure but even better I get a more accurate digital number. My water has remained in check and is crystal clear. I would have given this 5 stars but think they could have taken the firmware a step further and made it a little easier for the user. If they are going to take the time in version 2.2 to count down on the screen and tell you when to dip you would think that they would program it to tell you when you place the strip on the device to make sure you don't dip the strip and remove the access water too slowly/before the tester starts testing the strip. If you don't get the strip back on the device in time it will start without you and give you inaccurate readings. Also I found that you don't want to test multiple times without first cleaning the device and allowing it to air dry in-between tests. For kicks I tried using the device, cleaning & drying it with a cotton swab then testing immediately again. This left me with readings all over the place which made me think the device was faulty but if after using the device, I clean & dry it with a cotton swab and then allowing it to completely air dry left me with repeated accurate readings. This item works for me and I am happy to do away with the color matching test strips!

First time pool owner, so I waited five months to write this review. In the meantime, I educated myself about trouble free pool and slamming, and I also ordered a Taylor 2006 tester kit and compared the values. I would say if you follow the instructions carefully as mentioned by other reviewers, it’s a very accurate machine. At some point it showed my chlorine level at 9.4, so I said it’s definitely not right and pulled out the Taylor. Guess what, it was correct and my SWCG was over working. Another time it showed PH at above 8, so again, I doubted the little fellow. Taylor confirmed PH was too high and needed adding acid! Same thing went for adding too much Arm and Hammer baking soda and alkalinity.To be honest, I still doubt this thing all the time, but I can’t find even one time that it was reading incorrect values. I just say that the time you dip the test stripe is very important. Keep it consistent all the time. If you keep it in the water sample too long, or wait too long to put it in the reader, you’ll end up with funny readings. I’d say the best possible scenario is to use this little guy daily and use the Taylor test kit every few weeks just to make sure you’re on track. Thanks for reading, and YMMV.